Junior Dos Santos Releases Statement Following Knockout Loss To Francis Ngannou At UFC Minneapolis

Sometimes all it takes a millisecond to undo months' work of preparation and strategy. Former heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos was hoping to earn a shot at the title at UFC Minneapolis on Saturday, but in his way was knockout artist Francis Ngannou.

Just one minute into the fight, Junior dos Santos threw a wild overhand hook and was caught off guard by a powerful Ngannou fist. That "millisecond mistake" ultimately cost dos Santos the bout and his shot at challening for the heavyweight title.

Following his quick TKO loss, dos Santos took to social media to issue a statement. Humble in his defeat, dos Santos reflectedo n the quick loss and congratulated Ngannou for capitalizing "on my mistake."

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Guys, first of all I want to thank everybody for your support. I’m sorry the show was short this time, and without a great result for us. I’ve been on top of this sport and weight class for over a decade, and I plan to be here for a long time still. I love fighting, I love my life, and I’m really grateful for every opportunity I have to grow and evolve. The climb is tough and long, as you all know and sometimes—like tonight—months of perfect preparation and strategy are overshadowed by a millisecond’s mistake. There isn’t much to say now other than to congratulate Francis Ngannou for capitalizing so effectively on my mistake.

A post shared by Junior Cigano Dos Santos 🅾️➕ (@junior_cigano) on

Jun 30, 2019 at 12:02am PDT

Dos Santos (21-6) entered Saturday riding a three-fight win streak, but he'll now have to "climb" the ranks again for a shot at the title. Ngannou (14-3), who finished Cain Velasquez in just 26 seconds in February, now has his sights set on the winner of the Daniel Cormier vs. Stipe Miocic for the UFC heavyweight title. The rematch between Cormier and Miocic will take place at UFC 241 in August.